Immortal Mythos: Bound by Void

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The sky had darkened with storm clouds, even though no storm had been forecast. The mountain air was heavy as if the world itself held its breath.

Yuki stood silently, the energy from the clash still humming in his veins. Haru was gone—vanished into the shadows with nothing but a warning and a nod, leaving behind scorched ground and torn silence.

Nogitsune lingered a moment longer, arms crossed, his mask reflecting flickers of residual energy. His presence alone had ended the fight. His voice had calmed Haru. His aura had silenced Yuki.

And then, just like smoke, he was gone too.

The trees swayed gently as Ren and Himari appeared from the trees, both tense and breathless. Ren scanned the area immediately, his sharp senses on high alert. Himari's eyes, calm but deep, locked onto Yuki.

"Was that… Haru?" she asked softly.

Yuki nodded once, wiping the blood from his chin. "He said it was training. But it didn't feel like it."

A quiet rustle made them all turn. Aiko stepped into the clearing, her eyes wide with worry. The moment she saw Yuki—scuffed, trembling, but standing—her shoulders dropped in relief.

"You're okay…" she whispered, her voice nearly breaking.

Yuki gave a weak smirk. "You felt that, huh?"

"Everyone did," Ren said, stepping beside Yuki. "That surge… the void flared again."

"I tried to control it," Yuki said, "but it felt different this time. Like it wasn't just reacting—it was… listening."

They all fell into silence.

Then Aiko stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she kept her voice steady.

"You keep doing this," she said quietly. "Throwing yourself into fights. Losing control. You act like you don't care what happens to you."

Yuki blinked. "Aiko—"

She looked up at him, a bittersweet smile on her face. "I just… I don't want to lose you, okay?"

Her voice cracked at the end, and she turned away before anyone could catch the tears forming in her eyes.

Himari watched silently, something unreadable passing through her gaze.

Ren crossed his arms, eyeing Yuki. "You've gotten stronger. But strength without reason is chaos."

Yuki nodded slowly. "Then I'll find a reason."

Aiko, still facing away, clenched her fists.

You've always been my reason… you just don't know it yet.

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